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at the same time to be forward for the second attack. Some batteries of the 
reserve may be pushed forward as much as possible with the infantry, taking 
all the advantage possible of cover, or if the greater part of the artillery has 
been engaged, those batteries which soonest cease to be useful must be 'sent 
forward. In any case, the operation is a difficult one. Probably mitrailleuses 
would be useful here. They have a terrific effect at short ranges, are light, 
and easily moved, and expose few horses to fire. A few mitrailleuses, crammed 
up with the infantry, might be at hand at once, and exercise a powerful effect 
in supporting their lodgment, and in preventing the retiring enemy from 
re-forming. 
In the defence of a position, the part of the artillery must always be most 
important. The position of the guns must be carefully chosen, so that every 
inch of the ground over which the enemy can advance should be seen, and 
particularly that a strong fire should be concentrated on the roads and 
the ground on which it is probable the mass of the force will advance, whilst 
at the same time the guns must be protected, if possible, by the natural forma¬ 
tion of the ground, but where this is not practicable, by vigorous use of the 
spade—the “ demoralising spadeas it has been called, but here at least 
there can be no ill effects from its use. Whilst occupying all the points from 
which direct fire can be obtained, it is equally, or even more, necessary to take 
advantage of the flank fire that can be obtained. A position is like a fortress, 
and can only be effectively defended by seeing the whole ground in front. To 
follow the analogy, it is essential that positions in front of the main line in 
the nature of outworks should be strongly occupied, and held with firmness, 
to make the enemy develop his attack, and prevent anything in the nature of 
a surprise. Last autumn, if some points had been held in front of Pox Hills, 
if even the knoll behind which the Household Cavalry and the 42nd were to 
be seen had been occupied, would it have been possible for General Lysoffis 
Brigade to break in upon the position with such disastrous effect ? A strong 
position in itself may often be very weak, if held only in one main line. If 
forced at one point, -which may well happen by the good tactics of the opposing 
general, all may be lost. 
No defence can be thoroughly efficient without taking advantage of oppor¬ 
tunities of counter attack. Bor this purpose it will be convenient to have the 
horse artillery on the flanks, to manoeuvre on the flanks of the advancing enemy. 
Occasion may offer of firing on him when massing for attack behind ground which 
secures him from direct fire. If the horse artillery, and indeed all artillery 
not required in the main front, is disposed on the flank in echelon, it is 
not only powerful for counter attack, but ready also to meet and counteract 
the flank attacks of the enemy, to which it is almost certain he will resort. 
I have laid great stress on these artillery attacks and counter attacks, 
because, in my humble judgment, it is the direction in which the full advan¬ 
tage of modern artillery is to be sought. 
I know that high authorities advocate the employment of artillery in masses 
—amongst others the author I have already mentioned, the Prince of Hohenlohe- 
Ingelfingen, who himself (at the attack of St. Privat, I believe), massed 84 guns 
with distinguished success; and I will add that, from all I have heard, the ten¬ 
dency amongst the higher Prussian artillery officers during the late war was 
to mass their batteries. It would be most unbecoming in me to announce 
any ex cathedra opinion; but having been led to hold different views, let 
me simply give my reasons, and you can judge what they are worth. 
